Jose Rodriguez Orengo

Dr. José F. Rodríguez-Orengo is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, boasting over three decades of experience in academia and scientific research. With a prolific publication record of more than 100 peer-reviewed articles across basic, clinical, and public health spheres, he has been instrumental in securing over $150 million in research funding from prestigious institutions like NIH and CDC.

His leadership extends beyond academia, as demonstrated during his tenure as Executive Director at the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences, where he implemented lean-six-sigma methodologies to optimize productivity and streamline processes. Additionally, as Acting Chancellor at the UPR-Medical Sciences Campus, he orchestrated a significant overhaul of the IT infrastructure to support educational and research initiatives effectively.

Dr. Rodríguez-Orengo's entrepreneurial spirit led him to assume the role of CEO at FDI Clinical Research in 2016, ultimately acquiring ownership of the company in 2022 and achieving a successful exit in 2024. Alongside colleagues from UPR-MSC, he co-founded MBQ Pharma in 2018, marking the inception of the first pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing anticancer products patented by the UPR. Guiding MBQ Pharma as CEO, he initiated a phase 1 clinical trial in November 2023, supported by a grant from the Department of Defense.

With a visionary perspective, Dr. Rodríguez-Orengo aims to catalyze integration and collaboration among diverse entities to position Puerto Rico as a premier hub for research and economic development.